GATUNA - The opening of Bank of Kigali (BK) branch at Gatuna border has simplified money changers’ business at the border.

Money changers at various Forex Bureaus say the bank’s operations has provided security to their money and boosted their businesses, unlike in the past where they used to transport large sums of money from Kigali to Gatuna on daily basis.

Speaking to The New Times, the manager of Ukuri Forex Bureau, Ivan Baguma said they have all opened up accounts with the bank.

"Where customers require large sums of foreign currencies, we coordinate with the bank to have the money procured for our customers and we in turn get commission from the bank for our services,” said Baguma.

The Gatuna and Byumba BK branches manager, Allen Muhongayire said the bank has registered a large number of customers, mainly traders who transact cross border businesses.

"Our clients comprise Rwandan and Ugandan traders who transact cross border businesses,” she said, adding that other clients include traders from neighbouring DR Congo and Burundi.

"Since our banking services are online, business people with accounts in border towns of Gisenyi and Kamembe are able to withdraw or bank their cash at Gatuna branch easily,” she added.

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